Closed-Door Friendly

Several members of the ESMSCC squad were engaged in a closed-door friendly session on Sunday morning. Huzer, Ashrof and Nasir were asked to come down for this match specially arranged to help in the preparation of a new defensive partnership. Although it is unlikely that this partnership would ever appear in the green of BSRI, it would form a viable option in a restructuring of the ESMSCC line-up. Ashrof was asked to play as a central defender once again. He was reported to be highly disappointed that he could not push his claims for a regular place in left-midfield. Partnering him was Huzer, who was moved in from right-back. Huzer was also said to be disappointed as he claimed that his manager had promised him a striker's role for this game. It is rumoured, however, that his move into the centre was no a reflection of newfound faith in Huzer's defensive abilities but rather a damning indiction of the current poor state of his physical attributes. Nasir was played in goal.

This new partnership got off to a great start as Huzer and Ashrof formed a solid screen in front of Nasir. No players got past them, although Ashrof was guilty of letting the ball bounce a little too often. Huzer even won some headers. And Nasir made 2 amazing saves, proving that he is more Lionel Lewis than Noh Alam Shah.

In the second half, Nasir tried to pull a Mustafic Fahrudin. However, in his overzealous attempts to prove himself, he managed to give away a penalty although Ashrof and Huzer had things under control. Admittedly it was a soft but totally unnecessary foul, but perhaps he's had it coming. The hero had turned into a zero. Nasir was given 2 glorious opportunities to redeem himself, but he hit the crossbar from an indirect freekick and then contrived to miss a one on one with the opposing keeper. It was a waste as Huzer's and Ashrof's performances deserved so much more.